FROM what was, until a few years ago, a quite modest village affair, Thornton-le-Dale Show has become one of Ryedale’s premier rural events.

About 16,000 people are expected at next Wednesday’s event, when some of North Yorkshire’s finest livestock, poultry and rabbits will be exhibited, competing for the 150 trophies and cash prizes to be won in more than 450 classes, say the organisers.

The show, the 91st, attracts visitors from all parts of the country, chairman Martin Blythe said.

Entries are good in all classes, with many well up, especially in the pigs, sheep and cattle sections. “It is a show which not only provides a great day out, but also supports the farming industry in Ryedale. We have adapted over the years as farming has changed.”

Alongside the livestock, visitors will also be able to enjoy the long-established horse and driving classes and the fast-developing rare and minority breeds exhibition.

For years, the weather has favoured the show and its many attractions. “Thornton's show is seen as one of the most successful and popular traditional village shows in the county. But it’s also a focus for social inter-action, with people meeting up often not since the last show,” said Martin.

The packed programme of events starts at 9 am and goes on until well into the evening, with the working terrier show, lurcher show, junior showjumping, children's fancy dress and sports.

In the domestic classes, there are sections for everything from fruit liquor to homemade sausages, as well as scores for home baking and preservatives. Traditional rural crafts are also featured strongly in the show, with shepherds’ crooks and walking sticks, used by farmers for generations, but now also be serious walkers.

The craft marquee with its “Made in Yorkshire” theme, will be packed with entries in the handicrafts classes, including furniture making, silk printing, pottery, wood turning, patchwork, jewellery-making, stained glass and cold-cast bronze work.

One of the biggest features of the show is its horticultural section where competition is keen in all classes for flowers, vegetables, fruit, and floral displays.

The show's open sheepdog trials will feature a number of national championship contenders who featured in the popular One Man and His Dog television series.


Ring of confidence

THE main ring events at Thornton-le-Dale Show will see a non-stop programme of entertainment, chairman Martin Blythe said.

One of the highlights will be Jamie Squibb and The Devil's Horsemen, together with the East Coast Big Band and The Railroad Hobos.

This year's show will have more attractions than ever, Martin said.. “We have designed them to appeal to the family,” he added.

James McKay, director of the National Hawking School, will be giving a display of the sport of falconry, using using a Eurasian eagle owl. James, a zoologist and lecturer, provided his birds for use in the Harry Potter films.

In contrast to the medieval sport of falconry will be one of the country's best mountain bike stunt shows, starring top rider Jez Avery, who has had an impressive career in the sport, regularly appearing on television in such prorgrammes as You Bet! and Blue Peter. His routine includes slalom wheelies and ramp-to-ramp length-wise jumping over his own car.

A more genteel form of entertainment will be provided in Uncle Mike’s Crazy World of Magic, while Elaine Hill will be demonstrating sheep-dog handling with ducks and geese, and John Cavana, a full-time professional dog trainer, will be demonstrating gundog training.

An exhibition of rural bygones is being staged by Ryedale Folk Museum and there will also also be a climbing wall attraction for children.

There will be ring demonstrations of hurdle and shepherds’ crook-making, gun dogs, falconry and mountain bike stunt riding.

In the extended ring area there will be a companion dog show and a dog agility display.

* Thornton-le-Dale Show, August 4, 2010.
www.thorntonledale.com